New Vic emergency commissioner starts work

One of Victoria's longest-serving senior police officers is rolling up to his first day as boss of Emergency Management Victoria.

Andrew Crisp starts his new five-year role as the state's emergency management commissioner on Monday, after almost 40 years in the force.

"There's not many jobs I would leave Victoria Police to do. However, to take on this significant role as emergency management commissioner is actually one of those roles that I would leave Victoria Police for," he told reporters when he was named the new commissioner on Tuesday.

"I come ... understanding the impact that emergencies have on communities."

Mr Crisp was named commissioner just a day after his predecessor, Craig Lapsley, quit amid an ongoing workplace bullying investigation.

His professional history put him in good stead to handle a range of emergencies, Mr Crisp said.

His track record in dealing with emergencies includes being a "young constable" during Ash Wednesday in 1983, working with the United Nations in East Timor, and helping coordinate Australia's response to the Christchurch earthquake.

The appointment comes just months out from the upcoming bushfire season.